Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Getting straight to the point

I am running the Swansea IRONMAN 70.3 in August and the London Marathon in October to suffer a bit and raise money again for the ambitious Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). 

Please support me in this effort. 

I will be taking these challenges more seriously than my lack of hair and that includes a concerted fundraising effort (not simply relying on you, my generous and proactive friends and family). THT want to end all new HIV cases by the time my son is 9 years old (2030). I'll let that one sink in...

Why THT again?

1. I still work in drug research and development (save the jokes) so see the impact new lifesaving medicine has in areas where there was previously no treatment. It saves and changes lives for the better. But  even more importantly...
2. In the years since I last raised money for Terrence Higgins Trust, I have now worked with this fantastic charity to experience the BRILLIANT work that they do. They are truly making a huge positive impact on the lives of people living with HIV and in changing public perceptions (yes there is risqué pun in there, we must remember not to take ourselves too seriously).

So, here we go again. The last time I did this was 3 years ago, the world was a different place. Unfortunately the ‘rona has stalled a lot
of the good progress made in the charity space and while I have been lucky enough to be sat at home working and trying not to get fat, a lot of people have had a really rough ride. Goodwill alone is not enough.

Knowledge is Power

THT are not one to shirk a challenge themselves and have continued to set themselves 5 even bolder targets since the last time we
met. Why I love these targets so much (particularly the first 4) are that they overlap with improving health awareness outside of just the HIV space. We are still crap at asking for help in the UK when it comes to our health and this is about changing that and changing how illness is perceived.

1. There are no new HIV cases
2. People living with HIV get the support they need
3. Everyone can access good quality sexual and reproductive health services and information tailored to their needs
4. HIV, sexual and reproductive health are free from shame and stigma
5.  Everyone in our organisation respects and values diversity, creating an environment that is inclusive of all, and by working in partnership with others we reduce inequalities in sexual health

Thank you for getting this far, the future support and see you soon to discuss the adventures!

Sam